Obit: Vance A. Gray Sr.

Vance A. Gray Sr. of Bear passed away in his home Sunday, July 15, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.

Mr. Gray was born December 30, 1923, and as he often noted, lived most of his life a quarter-mile from the farmhouse where he was born.

Vance A. Gray Sr. of Bear passed away in his home Sunday, July 15, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.

Mr. Gray was born December 30, 1923, and as he often noted, lived most of his life a quarter-mile from the farmhouse where he was born.

A lifelong farmer, he also worked for Tyson F. Sartin Burial Vaults for 25 years before retiring from there in 1988. He then worked for Coleman’s Christmas Tree Farm for 14 years. In 2009-2010, he and his wife recorded an oral history of his life. He restored antique John Deere tractors, two antique farm wagons and an antique sleigh. He built a covered wagon that he enjoyed giving rides in, whether it was on his farm or for the St. George’s May Day event and other family functions. He also enjoyed woodworking and metal working in his shop.

Mr. Gray was a member of St. George’s United Methodist Church, the Delaware Farm Bureau and the St. George’s Historical Society.

His parents, Victor P. and Edna A. Gray, and his sister, Anna G. Wilson, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Clara S., and his children, Virginia A. Hanna and husband Wayne; Vance A. “Buddy” Gray Jr. and wife Pam; Victor P. Gray and wife Cheryl; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one expected in the fall; a brother-in-law and a niece.
The family expresses sincere gratitude to Delaware Hospice and Kimberly’s Private Companion Service.

Interment will be held noon on Friday, July 20 at St. Georges Cemetery in St. Georges, DE. Following interment services, Mr. Gray’s family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm at the St. Georges Historical Society, 200 N. Main Street in St. Georges, where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. George’s UMC, P.O. Box 145, St. George’s, DE 19733, or Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.